Mountain coasters are one of Gatlinburg’s biggest draws. They offer tourists and locals alike a unique, thrilling ride through the Great Smoky Mountains.
A mountain coaster should provide riders with a safe, scenic experience – not send them to the hospital. Unfortunately, when mountain coasters are not properly maintained, riders are not properly restrained, or an operator looks away, serious accidents can and do happen.
If you were hurt on an unsafe Gatlinburg mountain coaster, you may be entitled to compensation for costs like medical bills, lost income, pain, suffering, and more. The Terry Law Firm represents tourists and local residents who have been injured at Tennessee attractions. We can help you hold negligent operators accountable.
Contact The Terry Law Firm today to discuss your case and learn more about your legal options during a free consultation.
Common Causes of Mountain Coaster Accidents in Gatlinburg
Mountain coaster rides work on a combination of gravity, braking systems, and careful operation. When any part of that system fails, riders are likely to get hurt. Some of the most common causes of Gatlinburg mountain coaster accidents include:
- Mechanical failure – Mechanical failures can cause collisions and derailments. For example, worn-out brakes can make it impossible to stop before hitting another cart, or a defective seat belt could allow a rider to be thrown from the cart.
- Operator negligence – Ride attendants are responsible for spacing and speed checks, among other duties. Failing to secure restraints or allowing carts to get too close together can lead to preventable crashes. For example, one woman was thrown from the Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster in 2016. She was not properly buckled in, and the operator failed to check her restraints.
- Poor maintenance and safety issues – Attraction owners and operators are legally required to keep rides in safe working condition under Tennessee’s Amusement Device Safety Act. Skipping inspections or delaying repairs could violate that duty.
- Inadequate instructions – Since mountain coasters allow riders to control their own speed, they must learn how to use the hand brake and maintain proper distance. Riders may unintentionally create unsafe conditions if operators do not provide clear directions or post warning signs.
- Design or manufacturing defects – Some mountain coaster accidents stem from engineering flaws or faulty components. In such cases, the manufacturer or distributor may share liability under Tennessee product liability law.
Each cause requires a careful investigation to determine who is responsible and how the failure occurred.
Types of Injuries from Mountain Coaster Accidents
Even though mountain coasters typically move more slowly than traditional roller coasters, accidents can still cause severe trauma. Injuries vary depending on the speed, restraint design, and terrain. A few examples of potential injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Joint injuries and dislocations
- Head injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Lacerations and internal injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Psychological trauma
- Spinal cord injuries
Because mountain coaster rides operate on steep terrain, emergency access can take longer than usual. The delay can exacerbate injuries and increase overall recovery time.
Tennessee Laws Regarding Amusement Park and Attraction Liability
Tennessee law places clear duties on amusement ride owners and operators. They must maintain safe conditions, regularly inspect rides, and comply with state safety regulations. Key legal standards include:
- Tennessee Code Annotated § 68-121-101 et seq. – All amusement devices in the state must be inspected and permitted before operating. This law authorizes state agencies to oversee inspections, investigate accidents, and shut down unsafe rides.
- Premises liability obligations – Property owners owe visitors a duty of reasonable care to maintain safe premises. In other words, they must identify hazards and fix them promptly, before guests are hurt.
- Product liability laws – When a ride part is defectively designed or manufactured, injured riders can bring claims against the responsible company.
Tourist attractions, such as theme parks, are considered business invitee premises. Owners must proactively prevent foreseeable harm. If a ride operator ignores safety warnings, skips inspections, or allows untrained staff to operate a ride, they may be liable for any injuries that result.
Proving Negligence in Mountain Coaster Accident Cases
Securing compensation after a Gatlinburg mountain coaster accident requires you and your attorney to prove that the coaster operator or manufacturer was negligent. Generally, negligence is a failure to use reasonable care to avoid harming another person. Your case must establish four key elements:
- Duty of care – The operator or property owner owed you a legal duty to maintain safe conditions.
- Breach of duty – The defendant failed to meet that duty. For example, they may have neglected maintenance or allowed visitors to use a defective cart.
- Causation – The breach directly caused your injuries.
- Damages – You suffered actual, measurable losses, like medical bills and lost wages.
You do not have to worry about gathering most of this evidence on your own. Our lawyers can investigate and gather any information that could support your case, so you can focus on healing. Evidence might include:
- Inspection reports and maintenance logs
- Witness statements
- Surveillance or ride footage
- Expert testimony from engineers or safety inspectors
- Medical documentation linking the accident to your injuries
Maintenance records, safety logs, and video evidence can disappear within days of an accident. Our attorneys can work to preserve that evidence before it is lost.
Finally, note that Tennessee follows a modified comparative fault rule in personal injury claims. You can recover damages as long as you are less than 50 percent responsible for the amusement park accident. If you are found partially at fault, your recovery will be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you.
How The Terry Law Firm Can Help with Your Mountain Coaster Injury Claim
Mountain coaster cases involve mechanical systems, operator procedures, and state inspection requirements. The Terry Law Firm has decades of experience representing clients who have been injured at Gatlinburg attractions and throughout East Tennessee. When you work with our firm, we will:
- Investigate the cause of the accident via internal reports and state safety filings.
- Consult with engineers and accident reconstruction specialists to establish how the crash occurred.
- Calculate the full value of your claim, which may include consulting medical experts.
- Identify all potentially liable parties (typically ride owners, maintenance contractors, and product manufacturers).
- Negotiate with insurers for full and fair compensation.
- Take your case to trial if the responsible parties refuse to offer fair compensation.
The Terry Law Firm routinely represents out-of-state clients injured in Gatlinburg and the surrounding areas. We handle the process locally, so you do not have to travel or navigate Tennessee’s legal system on your own.
Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney Today
If you were hurt in a Gatlinburg, TN, mountain coaster accident, contact The Terry Law Firm today for a free consultation. Our attorneys are ready to review your unique situation, explain your rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve.